cross-platformhttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/4659/all
enOvernight Recap: Facebook Search Update, StoryBots Anniversary, IonBank 10Khttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_facebook_search_update_storybots_anniversary_ionbank_10k
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/storybots_one_year_infographic_620px.png" alt="StoryBots one year" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Well folks, the U.S. government effectively shut down Tuesday morning at midnight as Democrats and Republicans alike continue to wag their blame fingers in each others' direction over the budget and defunding the so-called "Obamacare." What's a citizen of the United States to do? Now would be a great time to take a deep breath and have a quick tech reality check, courtesy of our weekday news recap...</p><h3>Facebook Graph Search Now Includes Posts, Status Updates</h3><p><a href="https://newsroom.fb.com/News/728/Graph-Search-Now-Includes-Posts-and-Status-Updates" target="_blank">Faceboook rounded out the month of September with an update to its Graph Search feature</a>, which has now been updated to include searching of both posts and status updates at long last. "Now you will be able to search for status updates, photo captions, check-ins and comments to find things shared with you," the blog post explains, while noting that only content that has been shared with you will be visible in results — "including posts shared publicly by people you are not friends with." As usual with new Facebook features, the Graph Search update is rolling out gradually, so if you're not seeing it yet, don't panic… just be patient.</p><h3>StoryBots Celebrates First Anniversary</h3><p>The folks at kids app maker <a href="http://blog.storybots.com/oneyear/" target="_blank">StoryBots have just wrapped up their first year in business</a>, and is celebrating the anniversary with an infographic that details how it's spent the last 12 months. The company's learning videos have now been viewed 18 million times, and the last year saw the release of 14 apps — with another five coming by 2014. Teachers are also using StoryBots apps in the classroom in more than 900 schools across the U.S., so all in all it seems like a successful first anniversary for the company.</p><h3>Moshi Unveils IonBank 10K Portable Battery</h3><p>If you're in the market for a portable battery pack for your tablet or smartphone but want something with a bit of style, the folks at Moshi have just launched their first such product, the <a href="http://store.moshimonde.com/ion-bank-10k.html" target="_blank">IonBank 10K</a>. Featuring dynamic power sharing technology, the IonBank 10K intelligently detects what type of device is connected, then adjusts its charge rate accordingly. The attached USB cable lets it recharge at any time, with an extra seven or eight hours for tablets and even more for smartphones. IonBank 10K is priced at $110 and now in stock, ready to order from the Moshi Store; the company is also planning IonBank 5K Lightning and Micro USB versions for release later this fall.</p><h3>Mobile Website Creator Zapd Shutting Down Next Week</h3><p>The U.S. government isn't the only thing shutting down, as the creator of <a href="http://zapd.com" target="_blank">Zapd</a> announced via email to customers that the mobile website-creation app of the same name is closing down effective Oct. 7 after being acquired by RealSelf, a "leading online resource for elective cosmetic medical procedures." What does that have to do with mobile websites? Nothing apparently, but Zapd founder Kelly Smith is off to be their new Chief Experience Designer, leaving the Zapd service to languish and die next Monday. Unfortunately for fans of the app, there won't be any tool to save your Zaps and the service won't be reborn under RealSelf, so be sure to check your email for full details on how to save Zaps via web browser.</p><h3>Paragon Debuts Web Portal for Cross-Platform Software Tools</h3><p><a href="http://www.paragon-drivers.com" target="_blank">Paragon Software announced Monday</a> that it has launched a new web portal for its popular cross-platform tools, which include NTFS for Mac OS X (for writing to Windows NTFS-formatted disks), HFS+ for Windows (for writing to Mac-formatted disks from PCs) and more. "The launch of the portal is the latest initiative in Paragon’s support of users of multiple devices seeking the fastest and most reliable software to access data on the otherwise incompatible systems," the company said in a press release, and indeed, a quick trip to the new web portal shows a much cleaner, modern look and feel for those looking to purchase such tools.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_facebook_search_update_storybots_anniversary_ionbank_10k#commentsNewsbattery packscross-platformFacebookgraph searchInfographicMoshiovernight recapShutdownStoryBotsZapdiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 01 Oct 2013 12:34:37 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18198 at http://www.maclife.comUpdated Google Search with Cross-Platform Notifications on the Wayhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/updated_google_search_crossplatform_notifications_way
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_search_timeline_620px.png" alt="Google Search timeline" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Hard to believe that Google Search is only 15 years old, but the company has big plans for how it intends to spend the next decade and a half as search moves rapidly from the desktop to mobile devices.<br /><br /><a href="http://insidesearch.blogspot.com/2013/09/fifteen-years-onand-were-just-getting.html" target="_blank">Google's Inside Search blog announced Thursday</a> that the company's core feature, introduced in 1998, is 15 years old this month, and is celebrating with some welcome improvements.<br /><br />First up, Google is expanding the Knowledge Graph that powers its search to make it capable of answering even more questions — or even compare two items with each other using real-world queries like "Compare butter with olive oil."<br /><br />The bigger news, however, is that Google Search will soon bring its voice-activated "OK Google" technology to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with an update to the current iOS app. This app will work in conjunction with Android to allow cross-platform push notifications for Google Now and search, no matter which device you happen to be using at the time.<br /><br />Last but not least, the mobile web version of Google Search is getting a new look and feel and, yes, ads have finally arrived on smartphones and tablets. The good news is the new look is cleaner and touch-optimized — well, cleaner with ads, we suppose.<br /><br />Stay tuned for the new Google Search for iOS update "in the next couple of weeks."<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/updated_google_search_crossplatform_notifications_way#commentsNews15 yearsanniversariesApp Storecomparisonscross-platformGooglegoogle searchOK Googlepush notificationssearchiPadiPhoneiPodFri, 27 Sep 2013 12:00:11 +0000J.R. Bookwalter18177 at http://www.maclife.comHow to Use Logitech Vid HD for Cross Platform Video Chathttp://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_use_logitech_vid_hd_cross_platform_video_chat
<!--paging_filter--><p><strong>My daughter wants me to download Logitech Vid HD so that we can video chat with each other. She’s on a PC, and I’m on a Mac running 10.6.8. Will I have trouble with this program because I’m connecting to a PC? Or can I just use my iChat or Gmail account?</strong><br /><br />The Logitech Vid HD application has a Macintosh version as well as a PC version. If this is what your daughter will be using, it is possible for you to install the software as well (a free account is required) by downloading it <a href="http://goo.gl/z4utn" target="_blank">from here</a>. Unfortunately, this is the only way to connect with another Logitech Vid HD user as the service is incompatible with the host of other video chat services out there.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/02/howtos/logitech_1.jpg" width="620" height="302" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Logitech Vid HD application is rather simple, providing a clean interface with little clutter.</strong></p><p>If your daughter is willing to use another service, her webcam will most likely also work with other chat services like AOL Instant Messenger, Skype, Yahoo, or Google Talk.</p><p><strong>GOT A TECH QUESTION OR A HELPFUL TIP TO SHARE?</strong></p><p>Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ask@maclife.com" target="_blank">ask@maclife.com</a>&nbsp;or write to Mac|Life,&nbsp;<br />4000 Shoreline Ct, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_use_logitech_vid_hd_cross_platform_video_chat#commentscross-platformLogitechvideo chatMacHow-TosWed, 18 Jan 2012 13:49:35 +0000Cory Bohon13046 at http://www.maclife.comiPhone vs. Android Live Multiplayer Now Possible.http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_vs_android_live_multiplayer_now_possible
<!--paging_filter--><p><a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_vs_android_live_multiplayer_now_possible" target="_self"><img src="/files/u286882/Skies-of-Glory.jpg" width="380" height="310" /></a></p><p>The grudge match between iPhone users and those poor, <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/os_x_and_droid_bffs_sync_your_android_phone_your_mac" target="_self">misguided souls</a> who believe that their <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/videos/video_truth_about_android_walt_mosspuppet" target="_self">Android</a> handset is soooo superior can now be settled in the theater of war. Finally, the endless arguments over the numbers of apps available, open source versus closed ecosystem will end with the loser failing to the sound of pew-pew-pew-pew.&nbsp;</p><p>Yes friends,&nbsp;live multiplayer&nbsp;cross-platform smartphone games have come to the App Store and are also available to--<em>ahem</em>--those Google Android types. Currently, you can race your competition in <a href="http://www.polarbit.com/our-games/raging-thunder-2/" target="_blank">Raging Thunder 2</a>, or strike them out playing <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/homerun-battle-3d/id313833267?mt=8" target="_blank">Home Run Battle 3D</a>. Both games are great ways to enjoyably fritter away some spare time, but according to <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/19/android-versus-iphone-live-multiplayer-gaming-made-possible-in-s/" target="_blank">Engadget</a>,&nbsp; there's a new gaming monster on the loose that gets to the roots of what the true fanboy <em>really</em> wants: the ability take a flamewar to the next level by shooting the proponents of another platform down in flames.&nbsp;</p><p>Social Gaming Network's <a href="http://www.sgn.com/games.php?name=sog" target="_blank">Skies of Glory</a> puts players behind the controls of a World War II fighter plane during the Battle of Britain. The game supports combat over 3G or WiFi for up to eight players at a time. You can even put together a custom playlist--you know, something laid back to listen to as you frag the competition and cackle madly as their fire shrouded remains plummet into the English countryside.&nbsp;</p><p>So watch your six, because the next time you sign on for a bit of game time, an ace from the other side could be looking to zero you.</p><p>Tally Ho!</p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/iphone_vs_android_live_multiplayer_now_possible#commentsNewsandroidApp Storecross-platformGameiphoneiPhoneMon, 19 Jul 2010 17:34:15 +0000Seamus Bellamy7621 at http://www.maclife.comCross-Platform Multiplayer Titles Added to Steam for Machttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/crossplatform_multiplayer_titles_added_steam_mac
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/Steam_cross-platform_multiplayer_380px.jpg" alt="Steam cross-platform" width="380" height="202" /><br /><br />Thought the recent onslaught of Steam for Mac titles were the end of the story? Think again -- the invasion is just ramping up, with a second wave of titles now available, including the first cross-platform, multiplayer games.<br /><br />Valve Software announced today that another round of <a href="http://www.steamgames.com/" target="_blank">Steam for Mac</a> titles is available, right on the heels of the successful launch earlier this month. A dozen new games are featured this week, with the headliners being the first cross-platform, multiplayer games available via Steam -- the co-op zombie hit <em>Killing Floor</em>, <em>Altitude</em> and <em>Madballs in Babo: Invasion</em>.<br /><br />&nbsp;"We were thrilled when we learned that Steam was coming to the Mac platform and started working on a native Mac version immediately," said Tripwire Interactive’s John Gibson, creators of <em>Killing Floor</em>. "Steam's advanced multiplayer support on both the PC and Mac has enabled us to bring <em>Killing Floor</em> to a whole new audience on the Mac and introduce them to the existing PC player community."<br /><br />To celebrate Steam for Mac’s leap into cross-platform, multiplayer games, the popular <em>Killing Floor</em> will be available for a limited time at 33 percent off its regular price; <em>Madballs in Babo: Invasion</em> is also available at 50 percent off its regular price. Steam is also running an <em>Altitude</em> Free Weekend promotion, and once the clock strikes midnight this Sunday, you can continue the fun by picking up that game for 50 percent off as well.<br /><br />This week’s news isn’t all about multiplayer -- there are plenty of new single-player games also available today, including <em>Sam and Max: The Devil’s Playhouse Episode 2</em> and <em>Hearts of Iron 3</em>, among others. More new Mac titles are promised for next week, so the fun doesn’t stop here.<br /><br />To get your cross-platform multiplayer fix on, head over to the <a href="http://www.steamgames.com/" target="_blank">Steam website</a> today!<br /><br /></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/crossplatform_multiplayer_titles_added_steam_mac#commentsNewscross-platformmac gamingSteamsteam for MacGamesWed, 19 May 2010 21:37:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter6960 at http://www.maclife.comSynergy+ Gets a Fresh Breath of Airhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/synergy_gets_fresh_breath_air
<!--paging_filter--><p><img height="176" src="/files/u12635/Synergyplus_large.jpg" width="380" /> </p><p>Synergy+ hopes to breathe new life into the Synergy KVM switcher project that hasn't been updated since 2006.</p><p>Synergy is an open source, cross-platform <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KVM_switch" target="_blank">KVM</a> solution that replaces a piece of hardware with a free piece of software that will let you control the keyboard and mouse on another computer. It works over the local network in your home or business. </p><p>The problem with Synergy is that it hasn't been updated since 2006 by its author, Chris Schoeneman. A new team, however, hopes to change that by creating a new version called <a href="http://code.google.com/p/synergy-plus/" target="_blank">Synergy+</a> on Google Code that uses the same source, but it has been updated for 2010.</p><p>The new Synergy+ can be downloaded for your system on <a href="http://code.google.com/p/synergy-plus/" target="_blank">Google Code</a>.</p><p>via <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2010/03/09/synergy-shares-one-mouse-and-keyboard-between-multiple-computer/" target="_blank">DownloadSquad</a> </p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/synergy_gets_fresh_breath_air#commentsNewscross-platformdevelopmentKVM switcheropen sourceSynergySynergy+Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:41:08 +0000Cory Bohon6197 at http://www.maclife.com